I wish I could say that I have years and years of grilling experience. But the truth is, I’m fairly new at grilling. And that means I typically learn a new trick each time I’m manning the grill, which has made grilling over the past year extra exciting. When making these BLT and BBQ hot dogs for Memorial Day, I used a combo of both new and tried and true tricks. If you’re already a grilling expert, scroll on down to the bottom of this post for your new favorite hot dog recipes.

One of the things I’ve gotten exponentially better at is packing our “grill bag”. If you live in an apartment or condo building, I’m certain you’re familiar with the frustration of forgetting that thing back in your kitchen. Below is my go-to list of stuff to bring with you to the grill.

Baking sheet with seasoned/prepped raw meat

Clean baking sheet for cooked meat

Metal tongs

Oven mit

Reusable plastic plates, cups, and utensils

Cloth napkins or paper towels

Large reusable water bottle {filled}

Condiments {ketchup, mustard, mayo, bbq sauce, steak sauce}

Seasoning {if needed}

Steak knife {if needed}

Spray oil {if needed}

A new trick I tested out and will always take the time to do in the future is making small slices across each hot dog {see above}. The tiny slices not only create dozens of crispy edges and spaces for condiments to fill, but they make for a picture perfect hot dog {see below}.

And something else I will definitely do when grilling hot dogs in the future is purchase quality hot dog buns. I’ve never paid much attention to hot dog buns {gasp!} and have typically purchased what seemed like the only hot dog bun available. But after trying Whole Foods Market 365’s Euro Classic Brioche Hot Dog Buns, I’m a believer that a hot dog bun can make all the difference in the world. I loved how soft and buttery these brioche hot dog buns were. And they were flavorful enough to make a traditional ketchup and mustard hot dog taste extra special.

Directions: Wrap uncooked hot dog with slice of bacon, securing at each end with a toothpick {bacon will shrink}. Grill until bacon is cooked through. Place hot dog in green leaf lettuce and then place both into the warmed bun. Top with chopped tomatoes and drizzle with mayonnaise.

Once again, I was super impressed with how many Whole Foods Market 365 brand items were available and how affordable they were. It’s been a year since the Cedar Park store opened and it’s still super clean, super tidy, and a super pleasant shopping experience. And for those of you that haven’t been, the Whole Foods Market 365 in Cedar Park collaborates with local companies like Juiceland {cold pressed juice to order}, Easy Tiger {freshly baked breads}, and Snap Kitchen {healthy eats to go}. I highly recommend checking this store out!

Hello and Welcome!

I'm Kristin - a Florida girl turned Austinite, adventuring my way through life. Whether I'm in the kitchen, around town, or 1000 miles away, I'm sure to put myself in the midst of merriment.... and then write about it! Read More…